Exhibit with us

 

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair 17-20 October 2024 

&

GNCCFonline 7-8 December 2024 

Applications for Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair are now closed. If you missed the deadline we may consider late entries, depending on your craft discipline. 

We are still accepting applications for all disciplines for GNCCFonline Christmas Edition.

Please email ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk for the application link.

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Show your work at the most respected contemporary craft fair in the North!

Boasting a national reputation, Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair is the premier selling event in the North of England. Showcasing over 150 of the UK’s best designer-makers, all selected for their excellence in their craft, GNCCF2024 will return to Manchester’s stunning Victoria Baths. We offer makers an unrivalled opportunity to put their work in front of an eager and savvy audience in a way that suits them and their buyers best.

“The show is certainly the best in the North and generates a huge interest locally. There is always a great atmosphere with good quality work on show, and customers look forward to it in anticipation.” - GNCCF Exhibitor 2023 

About GNCCF Manchester 

The GNCCF takes place in the stunning Victoria Baths, one of Manchester’s favourite heritage attractions and home to many other arts and cultural events, including Chanel's prestigious Metiers d'Art Exhibitition in 2023.  Known as Manchester's Water Palace, no expense was spared on the building when it opened to the public in 1906, and its beautiful glazed Victorian tiled walls, mosaic floors and decorative stained glass interiors provide a fitting backdrop to explore the beautiful craft on sale at the GNCCF.

All makers are selected for their high quality of work by an expert panel, to ensure a vibrant and varied selection of different crafts to browse and buy. GNCCF Manchester also features artists demonstrating their work, exhibitions of new graduate work and craft workshops. 

“Such a warm and supportive atmosphere, an amazing event.” - GNCCF Exhibitor 2023

GNCCF Manchester is primarily a shell-scheme event but we also have a range of more affordable options to choose from, such as table-top and space only. We have a small selection of table-top spaces in the beautiful Turkish Baths room, and the light and airy balcony area upstairs will be reserved mainly for new makers.

At GNCCF, we show designer-makers at the top of their game as well as the best of what’s new. Many make us the first step into national craft events.

We welcome applications from diverse and talented makers from the UK and abroad, whatever their background or professional qualifications; we encourage applicants from people who represent marginalised or under-represented groups in craft, including, but not limited to, those who are Black, Asian and minority ethnic, neurodivergent, D/deaf, LGBTQ+ and working class. We're also keen to attract makers whose contact address puts them in one of Arts Council England's Levelling Up For Culture Places.

In 2024 we will have 10 bursaries for new makers (in business less than 3 years) and 2 makers who are based in Arts Council England's Levelling Up For Culture Places.  See application guidelines on how to apply for these.

The venue is easily accessible, with free parking on site, on surrounding roads and a multi-story car park is just a 5 min walk away. It is a ten minute walk from Oxford Road, the main bus route into the city centre.

Access for unloading/breakdown is straightforward; exhibitors can park on site to unload, then move their cars to one of the nearby public car parks.  

There are hotels to cater for all budgets a short walk away and plenty more in the city centre or local suburbs, all within easy reach by public transport.

We take no commission on sales.

Should the live version of GNCCF Manchester have to be cancelled due to Govt/Covid-19 restrictions, the fair will revert to an online edition.  All exhibitors will be given the option to take part in this online version at a much reduced participation fee and full/partial refunds will be given for the difference.

 

“I finally felt like I had found my audience. I'm full of confidence now that my business is on the right track” - GNCCF Exhibitor 2023

 

About GNCCFonline Christmas edition : 7-8 December 2024

GNCCFonline offers an affordable opportunity to sell your work and raise your profile under the well respected GNCCF brand. Like our flagship in-person fair, all exhibitors are selected by an expert panel. Our GNCCFonline exhibitors find the online fair a great way to complement their live events, and a brilliant ‘gateway’ to selling for those starting out. We welcome makers who have an online shopping platform from both the UK and abroad.

"I loved GNCCFonline, being new to the GNCCF audience and the event being online, I’m not sure what I was expecting, but what an event, and what a supportive craft community! I couldn’t keep up with the lovely messages, new customers and sales! This is an event organised by people who love what they do and it shows!’ 

Each GNCCFonline exhibitor has a 'shop window' on our website, featuring 8 products (including images and descriptions) for visitors to buy, along with links to their own online shops. We take no commissions on sales and all transactions are handled by the exhibitor. GNCCFonline is extensively promoted on our social media platforms and via our mailing lists and partners. Exhibitors shop portals will remain open for at least a month after the fair weekend for follow up sales.

"It was my first time being part of GNCCFonline and I was blown away by the supportive atmosphere, promotion and marketing from the team! Thank you GNCCF!"  GNCCFonline Exhibitor 2023

 

Business Support. We offer the opportinity to boost your business further with a package of 'Get Fair Ready' webinars delivered in partnership with The Design Trust and a series of Maker Development workshops, aimed at new makers, delivered in partnership with Creative Industries Trafford. Whilst priority will be given to those who have applied for our fairs, we will consider other makers for these maker development opportunities - please email for details: ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk

 

Follow us: Facebook, Instagram and Twitter 

 

For Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Manchester : £15 (inc VAT)

For GNCCFonline : £8 (inc VAT)

You will be prompted to pay the application fee on completion of the online application form, when you will be redirected Stripe. The application form will not be submitted without this payment. This fee is non-refundable and is inclusive of VAT. It will go towards covering the administration costs for processing the applications and the selection procedure.

 

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair, Victoria Baths Manchester: 17-20 October 2024

Stand package costs listed below include:

• exhibitor profile incuding an image and 50 word description on our website with link to your website/online shop/insta
• exhibitor profile with images on our social media platforms (facebook, instagram, X-twitter)
• extensive promotion via our social media platforms
• show promotion via our newsletter sent to over 21,000
• promotion to members of Victoria Baths and via their social media
• exhibitor storage area
• 24 hr security
• helpers for set up and breakdown
• on site easy access temporary parking for set up and breakdown
• extensive national and regional press and promotion campaign, with particular emphasis on maker profiles and images of work 
• printed and digital promotional materials to send to your networks
• digital promotional artwork to use on your social media platforms
• exhibitor awards
• various stand options to choose from - white plywood shell scheme, space only, table-top.
• if you select a shell scheme stand this will include two spotlights.
• all stands include chair(s)

Exhibitor package fees for 2024:

Table top/space only balcony upstairs inc 1800x750 table, £295+VAT (Priority will be given to New Maker in business 3 yrs or less)

Table top/space only Turkish Baths exhibition space downstairs inc 1800x750mm table inc 1800x750 table, £340+VAT

2x1m white shell scheme stand £430+VAT

2x1.5m white shell scheme stand £575+VAT

3x1m white shell scheme stand  £575+VAT (limited availability)

3x1.5m white shell scheme stand £650+VAT (limited availability) 

Other stand sizes may be available but are not guaranteed - organisers will confirm your preferred stand size/option and cost once selected. 

Please use shift or ctrl-click to select your preferred stand size from the drop down menu on the application form which details the above exhibtion packages and respective costs. 

Additional costs 

• Electrical sockets, extra lighting can be ordered at an extra cost via the electrical contractors. Order before 3rd Oct - Socket costs from £40; cost of extra spot light from £24. After this date cost for socket is £50 and spotlights are from £30. PAT testing costs £10 for first item and £5 for subequent items. Note these prices are exclusive of VAT and are subject to change
• Furniture hire. Please note tables are only included in the table top package. We do not supply tables, chairs or display furniture as part of other stand packages. Tables 1800mm long x600mm deep x 730mm high can be hired from organiser at cost of £20 +VAT. Plinths and shelving can be hired from the exhibition hire company at an extra cost.

Please note if the live GNCCF Manchester has to be cancelled due to Govt/Covid-19 restrictions, then the fair will revert to an online version. Exhibitors will have the option of taking part in this online fair at a reduced cost or withdrawing completely in which case part or full refunds will be given respectively. 

GNCCFonline Christmas Edition:  7-8 December 2024 (shops remain open til 31 Dec)

Participation fee: £85 +VAT or £60 +VAT if selected fo both GNCCF & GNCCFonline.

GNCCFonline Christmas Edition includes:

• our website will feature 8 product images, along with descriptions and buy now URL and exhibitor profile with URL to your online selling platform (eg. your website shop, etsy shop, via gallery instagram etc). 
• An exclusive preview for subscribers on the Friday evening before the fair opens online to the public on Saturday
• GNCCFonline will remain live for at least one month after the fair to enable follow up sales
• extensive promotion on our social media platforms (facebook, instagram, twitter)
• show promotion via our newsletter sent to over 21,000 and via our network of partners.
• digital promotional materials to send to your networks and use on your own digital platforms

 

We welcome applications from designers, makers and artists working in ceramics, jewellery, glass, basket-making, silver and metal smithing, book-making, paper, stationary, wood, plastics, mixed media, furniture, fashion textiles and accessories, fashion design, shoe design, millinery, leather, interior textiles and home-wares, product design and print making. Applications must be from the designer-maker and work must not be mass produced. We do not accept imported goods, not made by yourself.

We do not accept painting, drawing, graphic design, photography, giclee prints of original artworks or greeting card makers, nor do we accept hand-made candles or soaps and toiletries.

All exhibitors are selected for their excellence and suitability for the fair by a panel of craft experts, based on their submitted images.

For all our fairs, we welcome applications from diverse and talented makers from the UK and abroad, whatever their background or professional qualifications; we encourage applicants from people who represent marginalised or under-represented groups in craft, including, but not limited to, those who are Black, Asian and minority ethnic, neurodivergent, D/deaf, LGBTQ+ and working class.

If you live with a disability or mobility issue, our application form offers you the opportunity to tell us how we can help you to participate in the fair, and we will make reasonable adaptions where we can, within the scope of the venue. 

If you need support to fill in the application form, please get in touch and we will do what we can to help.

More questions? Email us at

victoria@greatnorthernevents.co.uk

ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk

All our fairs are selected shows. The selection panel will decide which exhibitors are chosen for each show using your images and application form. The panel is made up of craft experts and changes annually.

There will be a reserve list of exhibitors, who will be contacted should additional space become available.

All applicants will be notified of the selection panel's decision from end of March 2024.

 

 

“It's always been a pleasure to exhibit at GNCCF - which is one of my favourites! Being at Victoria Baths this year, added to the experience. It was great to see so many visitors make the trip to see us there.”

“It was my first live GNCCF and turned out to be the best, most successful show I’ve ever done. My work was very well received and my sales were great. Definitely worth the extra preparations.”

GNCCF Manchester is one of the leading craft fairs in the UK, attracting maker and audiences from across the country and is a popular highlight in the North's cultural calendar.

Marketing

GNCCF Manchester is advertised and promoted nationally, with a strong campaign in the North of England and a particular focus in Manchester and the North West.

This marketing campaign includes:

• distribution of leaflets via Culture Calling, the region's premier arts listing and distribution agency to the region's major galleries, musuems and arts venues, universities, cafes and bars, city centre offices and
• leaflet distribution to selected door to door postcodes idenified through an audience research consultation with the Audience Agency in 2023.
• display advertising 
• digital advertising
• regional outdoor advertising
• cross promotion with relevant groups, organisations and universities
• extensive web based and e-marketing campaign
• promotion to our mailing list of 21000 subscribers
• extensive social media promotion via Facebook, Instagram and Xtwitter.

The GNCCF has generated a PR value in excess of £500K over the last 4 years, most recenlt with a double page spread in the Observer, and Guardian online in Nov 23, plus editorial in the Sunday Times, Mail on Sunday, Guardian Weekend, Guardian online, Independent, Living etc, Elle Decoration, Homes and Antiques, World of Interiors, House & Garden, Country Living, Art Quarterly, Selvedge, Craft, Ceramic Review, Creative Tourist, Northern Soul, Creative Boom,  Manchester Evening News, Yorkshire Post, Cheshire Life, Lancashire Living, BBC Radio Manchester, BBC Radio 2 Breakfast Show and Radio 4 Woman's Hour.

GNCCFonline is promoted through

• extensive social media promotion on our Facebook, Instagram and Xtwitter
• display ads in local publications on and offline
• cross promotion with relevant groups, organisations and universities
• extensive web based and e marketing campaign
• promotion to our mailing list of 21000 subscribers

Here's what our exhibitors say about us...

“Glorious quirky venue, buzzing crowd, beautiful work, wonderful people, and all very well organised!”

“It's always been a pleasure to exhibit at GNCCF - which is one of my favourites! Being at Victoria Baths this year, added to the experience. It was great to see so many visitors make the trip to see us there.”

“Superbly organised and friendly. Very busy, lots of sales.”

“Really well organised and with lots of visitors. The marvellous venue only added to the fantastic experience.”

“GNCCF  was my first big craft fair and I couldn’t fault a thing. It was so well organised that it has certainly set the bar for my experience of exhibiting with other fairs in the future.”

“As our official launch, the help we received from the organisers prior to the event put our minds to rest. Great communication throughout. Loved the Private View. Beautiful venue and the helpers were fantastic!”

"Great exposure in the North. The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair is on a par with the London shows and one of my favourite shows on the circuit."

“It was my first live GNCCF and turned out to be the best, most successful show I’ve ever done. My work was very well received and my sales were great. Definitely worth the extra preparations.”

"GNCCF has led to some great professional development opportunities for me, including a solo show at the prestigious Blackwell House in Cumbria."  

"I receive orders throughout the year from GNCCF customers." 

"The GNCCF give me great exposure and positive brand association;  it's great to exhibit alongside exceptionally good talent;  and my business benefits from lots of gallery interest and follow up sales throughout the year." 

"The social media campaign was excellent and the show was very well advertised; constantly a good show for me." 

 

 

All about your images

You will need to upload 6 images onto the online application form.

Your images must be at least 1MB and no bigger than 3MB and be jpegs.  Should your images be larger than 3MB they will not upload. Please do not upload images less than 1MB as we are unable to use them in publicity.

Image 1 must be square for your website profile. If you upload landscape or portrait images we may need to crop them to make them square. If you have difficulties trying to crop images to make them square please upload the original image for selection and we will contact you for an alternative square image 1 should you be selected.  Images 2-6 can be either square, portrait or landscape.

Image uploading can take a while depending on your broadband speed - do not refresh the page as this will stop the uploading process.

We cannot accept TIF or PDF images.

Images should be of the work you intend to exhibit and be no more than 3 years old.

All images must be cleared for non-exclusive copyright so we can use them for publicity and promotion. (Please refer to the terms and conditions).

Labelling your images

It is very important you label your images as follows.  We ask them to be labelled in this way so we can send them to press - this is for your promotional benefit so please oblige.

Image 1 must be square

Image 1 will be the main image on your website entry. It will also be used for press and in social media promotion.

Please label this image on your upload as YOURNAME1 and save it as a jpeg ie ANNSMITH1.jpeg (You will need to save the image as this before uploading it).

Images 2-6

Please label all these images on your upload as YOURNAME2/3/4/5/6.

Some tips for sucessful images

A poor quality image can be a reason for not being selected. Here are some tips to increase your chance of success:

• Is your image sharp and in focus?
• Make sure the image isn't too dark or light
• Don’t photograph light coloured work against a light background or dark against dark.
• Work is judged on quality and consistency. Do your images form a consistent body of work?
• You may wish to show close up of detail, especially for textiles.
• Don't allow a model to dominate the photo - it's the work we want to see, not the person wearing it.
• Consider photographing your work on a white light box or plain background.
• It's worth investing in good photography. Bad photographs can mean your work gets rejected.
• It may also be useful in investing in some small lights if you choose to photograph your work yourself. 

 

Good photographs get used in promotional materials and press releases.  When phtographing your work please do some images on plain backgrounds so we can cut out the image and use it in our artwork. We also use these images for press.

If you are having problems uploading images please email for assistance.

ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk

 

 

Group Applications

If you are a group of makers, a gallery or collective and have a proposal for a showcase/installation/exhibition we will be happy to consider it.  

This is subject to availability of space. The cost will depend on the proposal - please email us with details

ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk 

We do not accept group entries to share basic stands in the main body of the show.  

All transactions are processed through Stripe and are secure.

• The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Manchester and GNCCFonline are managed by Great Northern Events NW Ltd, a not for profit company registered in England, Company Reg No 6419531.
  Great Northern Events NW Ltd
  1 Norman Road, Heaton Moor, Stockport SK4 4HJ
• www.greatnorthernevents.co.uk
• VAT registered VAT No234847392
• In case of problems with submitting your payment please phone Ann-Marie Franey on  0044 (0) 7973 574735 or email ann-marie@greatnorthernevents.co.uk
• The application fee is non refundable.
• The deposit and proportion of stand fees may be non refundable if you withdraw from the show at a later date. In the event that the organiser has to cancel - for example due to the COVID-19 pandemic, then full refunds, including deposits, will be given unless you decide to accept any alternative option offered by the organiser. For example, should they take the fair online, then a smaller participation fee will be charged and the difference will be refunded.
• Please refer to our terms and conditions for our payment terms and refund of stand fees policy should you withdraw your application once you have accepted your space.

Terms and Conditions

Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair & GNCCFonline 2024

In these Terms & Conditions the following definitions are: Organiser refers to Great Northern Events (NW) Ltd. Exhibitors refers to any persons selected to participate at The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair or GNCCFonline.

For Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair live events:

• Exhibitors must keep their stands open and attended by knowledgeable staff throughout the period of the event and wherever possible this should be the designer-maker.
• Exhibitors may not sub-let space within the area allocated to them.
• Exhibitors must not display goods of an inflammable, noxious or obscene nature. Fabrics used on stands at live events for display purposes must be fireproofed. The organiser will remove any such unsuitable material from the event.
• Exhibitors will be liable for any damage caused to the panels, flooring or stand fittings.
• Exhibitors will be liable for any damage they cause to event buildings/structures.
• Exhibitors may not move or install any lighting or electrical appliances without the written approval of the organiser. Any lighting or electrical appliance not supplied by the electrical contractor must be approved and PAT tested by either a qualified electrician in advance of the show for which proof may be required or on site by the contractor.  This will incur an additional cost as detailed in the exhibitor manual and exhibiting fees of the website
• The organiser reserves the right to move stands and relocate space previously notified to exhibitors.
• The organiser reserves the right to cancel and/or amend the event if required by circumstances outside their control.
• The organiser accepts no liability for the loss or damage to exhibitors' work at any event, neither during the event, nor during setting-up or dismantling. Exhibitors are responsible for fixing their work securely to shelving and walls. Insurance is the responsibility of the individual exhibitor and the exhibitors must insure they are covered for all eventualities (including public liability insurance). 
• A deposit of £150 for your exhibition package for Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair ( also known as GNCCF) Manchester must be paid on acceptance of your offer of space and must be received by the Organiser by Sunday 5th May 2024. Should the exhibitor withdraw from the fair this deposit will not be refunded. 
• For Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Manchester a second instalment of 50% of the outstanding balance must be received by Sunday 16th June 2024 and the final instalment (remainder of the balance outstanding) must be received by Sunday 18th August 2024. 
• Exhibitors withdrawing from the event after Sunday 14th July 2024 are liable to pay 50% of their total exhibition package fees. For Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair Manchester, exhibitors who cancel on or after Sunday 18th August 2024 are liable for the total cost of the exhibition package.
• The organiser cannot accept responsibility for any issues arising as a result of problems with the venue or its staff. If, because of war, fire, strike, or other cause beyond the control of the organisers, the event is cancelled, exhibitors remain liable for stand fees and the organisers shall have no liability to exhibitors from the loss of income resulting from such cancellation. The exception to this would be if the organisers cancelled the fair due to Govt guidelines/legislation to stem the spread of COVID-19, in which case the deposit and any further payments made would be fully refunded. Should the exhibitor accept a digital or other alternative option to replace the cancelled fair, and this incurs a participation fee, then this amount will be subtracted from the total fees already paid by the exhibitor and a partial refund will be given for the difference.
• If the organiser cancels the event, exhibitors' deposits and stand fees will be reimbursed in full (unless an alternative option is accepted by the exhibitor - see point above - in which case a partial refund may be given) but the organiser cannot be held liable for any additional expenses incurred.

For GNCCFonline: Christmas Edition:

• A deposit of £40 for your exhibition package for GNCCFonline: Christmas Edition must be paid following acceptance of your offer of space and must be received by the Organiser by Sunday 5th May 2024. Should the exhibitor withdraw from the fair after this date, your deposit will not be refunded.
• Your outstanding balance must be paid by Friday 20th September 2024.
• For GNCCFonline: Christmas Edition, exhibitors who cancel on or after Friday 4th October 2024 are liable for the total cost of the participation package.

For both live and online events:

• The organiser reserves the right to withdraw their offer of space from any exhibitors owing monies to the organiser on any account. 
• All exhibitors should give full cooperation to the organisers and/or appointed publicity contractor in attempting to achieve coverage and promotion for the event.
• Any agreements entered into by the exhibitor and an external contractor or supplier at the event, are the responsibility of the exhibitor and the organiser cannot accept liability for claims resulting from the failure of any of its contractors or suppliers to deliver goods or services.
• Whilst the organiser takes every effort to ensure that exhibitors contact details are correct in the promotional material for the event, the organiser cannot accept responsibility for any errors published therein and the organiser shall have no liability to exhibitors for any claims resulting from such errors.
• In consideration of the organisers assisting exhibitors in promoting their work, exhibitors must agree to grant the organisers a non-exclusive copyright licence for any promotional materials supplied to the organiser and/or its appointed publicity contractor, for the purpose of promoting and publicising their work and the event. In granting this licence exhibitors should be aware that the promotions may include the use of these materials on the internet and that images supplied may be scanned and held digitally for this purpose. The copyright is, and will continue to be, beneficially and solely owned by the exhibitor, who must ensure that it does not and will not, infringe on any other copyright and that no information contained in the materials is or shall be inaccurate, misleading or injurious.

Exhibitor Code of Conduct

• We ask all exhibitors to join us in creating a positive environment and atmosphere, where everyone is welcomed, accepted and has a fantastic fair experience, whether in-person or online.
• As part of this, we do not tolerate any discriminatory behaviour, bullying or harrassment including any form of Racism, Homophobia, Islamophobia, Antisemitism and Sexism. Such behaviour may include hostile or abusive comments or intimidating actions. If you see or hear such behaviour at one of our events, please talk to an organiser.
• Failure to make yourself aware of our exhibitor Terms and Conditions and Code of Conduct, and follow them at all times may lead to you being asked to leave the fair without a refund of any fees paid.